A massive amount of asbestos debris left after a fire at the General Industries factory in Elyria, Ohio (near Cleveland) has nearby residents concerned about air quality and asbestos contamination.

An article in the Morning Journal notes that Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials recently took 10 samples from debris on or near the site of the factory, located at the corner of Taylor and Olive Streets.

“Six of the 10 samples came back and confirmed the asbestos-containing materials,” said Mike Settles, Ohio EPA spokesperson.

Richard Varady, who lives near the site, says the transport of asbestos through the streets of the town has him concerned for the health of his family and his neighbors. ”They trucked that stuff down the street for three days,” he said.

The EPA noted that they are concerned anytime asbestos levels test higher than one percent. The tests at the General Industries factory showed asbestos levels between 20 and 65 percent, Settles said.

“The whole site is considered contaminated,” Settles explained.

Members of the clean-up crew are keeping the asbestos wet in order to keep it from becoming airborne. Kathleen Boylan, Elyria Health Commissioner, told residents that as long as the asbestos is kept wet, there is no danger to the average person walking down the street near the factory.

”The risk involved in this situation is minimal,” Boylan said.

But no one is allowed to work at the site or move materials at this time, Boylan said. The Ohio EPA does not want workers in trucks kicking up dust on the site, Settles said.

”There is no movement at the site,” Boylan confirmed. ”Nothing is being permitted to be taken off the site.”

This entry was posted on Monday, July 14th, 2008 at 10:25 am and is filed under news. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.